By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 23: Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong, on Tuesday, said the completion of training by 83 Home Guards volunteers from Lyngkyrdem reflected the growing strength, discipline, and readiness of rural Meghalaya to serve society and the state in times of need.
Addressing the valedictory programme at Laitlyting Lyngkyrdem under Pynursla constituency, he said the event was not just a ceremonial conclusion but a meaningful milestone for the area. He urged the newly trained volunteers to carry the honour and reputation of Pynursla constituency and Raid Langkyrdem wherever they are deployed, and to let their conduct and service speak for themselves across Meghalaya.
Tynsong congratulated the volunteers for completing a demanding training programme and said the certificates awarded to them should be viewed as the beginning of a larger journey of responsibility and public service.
He also appreciated the Directorate of Civil Defence and Home Guards for providing structured and quality training, and acknowledged the cooperation of village leaders, residents and parents in ensuring the success of the programme. He extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the people, invoking prayers for peace, hope, and prosperity.
The programme began with a salami parade, following which, Tynsong took the salute and reviewed the parade. The Joint Director of Civil Defence and Home Guards, B. Mukhim, was present during the ceremony.
Speaking on the occasion, Mukhim said the day marked a moment of pride for the area, with all 83 volunteers completing the training successfully. He said that the volunteers were trained in arms drill, foot drill, civil defence, and disaster management, aimed at building discipline, confidence, and operational readiness.
He described the batch as one of the most disciplined and dedicated, noting that their turnout and parade reflected sincerity and hard work.
Mukhim also recalled that Home Guards personnel deployed with the Traffic Police and Fire and Emergency Services had earlier faced delays in wage payments. He said the issue was resolved after the Deputy Chief Minister convened an emergency meeting, resulting in the streamlining of payments.
He added that despite cold weather conditions, the volunteers displayed strong discipline and commitment, and urged them to uphold courage, integrity and selfless service.
Addresses were also delivered by the Rangbah Shnong of Iewduh Lyngkyrdem, Lamjingshai Rynjah and the Sordar of Raid Lyngkyrdem, who congratulated the volunteers and emphasised their role in public safety and community service.
The Divisional Commandant of Home Guards, East Khasi Hills, Badalyne Kharkongor, Commandant of the Central Training Institute of Civil Defence and Home Guards, Shillong, Benalvic Warjri, attended the programme along with local leaders, officials, family members of the volunteers and members of the public.
